A major political controversy erupted on Friday after Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, made a sensational comment about a “Rs 500 crore suitcase” being needed to become Chief Minister.
The remark triggered sharp reactions from the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party and even senior leaders within the Congress.
A day later, she issued a detailed clarification on social media, saying her statement was misinterpreted and taken completely out of context.

1. What Navjot Kaur Sidhu Originally Said

On December 6, while speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that “the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Minister.”
The comment came during a discussion on why Navjot Singh Sidhu has not returned to active politics.

2. Why Her Comment Sparked a Political Uproar

The phrase “Rs 500 crore suitcase” was widely interpreted as an allegation of massive corruption inside the Congress party.
Opposition parties seized the moment, suggesting she had admitted that CM posts in Congress were bought and sold.

3. Her Clarification on Social Media

In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Navjot Kaur Sidhu wrote:

“I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment. Our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. Listen carefully.”

She said she only meant that they do not have the kind of money required if any other political party demands funds in exchange for leadership positions.

4. What She Said About Sidhu Returning to Politics

Navjot Kaur Sidhu made it clear that her husband will return to politics only if he is officially announced as the Chief Ministerial face in 2027.

She also added that they would never pay any political party for such a post, which is how the controversial “Rs 500 crore” remark came up.

5. AAP’s Sharp Attack: “Who Gets the Suitcase?”

Aam Aadmi Party leaders were among the first to react.
They questioned whether the alleged “Rs 500 crore suitcase” mentioned by her goes to:

• The Congress high command, or

• Rahul Gandhi himself

AAP demanded that the Congress clarify whether such allegations were true.

6. BJP Says Comment Proves Congress’s ‘Institutionalised Corruption’

BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Tarun Chugh slammed the Congress, calling the comment an “open admission” that the party thrives on corruption.

They accused Congress of treating top political posts like auction items.

7. Trouble Within Congress: Leaders Hit Back

Even Congress leaders distanced themselves from the Sidhus.
Former Deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa criticised Navjot Kaur Sidhu for making “anti-party statements” at a time when the party is preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

He said such remarks damage the party’s image and weaken internal discipline.

8. Navjot Kaur Says Her Words Were Twisted

In her clarification, she insisted the media and political rivals were twisting her words.

She explained that:

• The remark was not aimed at the Congress leadership

• She only meant the Sidhus would never pay money to secure a CM face position

• She was responding to a hypothetical question about joining another party

However, the political reaction had already spread nationwide.

9. Political Opponents Continue to Use the Remark

Despite the clarification, opposing parties continue to use her comment as political ammunition.

With Punjab’s 2027 elections approaching, the issue has become a major talking point for AAP and BJP, both determined to put Congress on the defensive.

10. What This Means for Congress Ahead of 2027 Elections

The controversy has come at a sensitive time.
Congress is trying to regroup in Punjab after internal conflicts and leadership disputes over the past few years.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s remark — whether misunderstood or not — has:

• Reopened old factional rifts

• Given rivals fresh ammunition

• Raised new questions about the Sidhus’ relationship with the party

Conclusion

Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s clarification attempts to calm the political storm, but her “Rs 500 crore suitcase” remark has already caused significant damage.
With opposition parties refusing to let the issue die down, the controversy may continue to haunt the Congress as the 2027 Punjab elections approach.